Siena is adding a research component to earthquake prevention. On 20 October, the cabinet approved a scientific agreement with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology to deepen understanding of the municipal area’s subsoil. The programme described by the council combines geological surveys, exploration of urban cavities and analysis of seismic and historical data. The bottini network of underground water tunnels will also provide observation points for geological structures. The aim is to improve knowledge of faults and the area’s geological configuration to protect the city and its monumental heritage. This is a study and prevention programme, rather than an announcement of earthquake prediction.